From Strength to Strength (Arthur C Books)

 

This book looked like it was totally my jam. I have read a number of books on aging. Mostly, the books I've read have had an approach of aging well and accomplishing all you can. This one was more focused on letting things go, accepting declines and settling down into spirituality. I don't really buy into the striver curse. I plan to keep having goals and striving. If not, what else there? Oh ya....walk and meditate and ponder. I totally agree that you must make time for self-development by scheduling your meditation, prayer, reading and practice every day. Those are good things....but what is one going to do the rest of the day? He says that your decline, as painful as it is should be experienced - and shared. He also encourages the reader to embrace their weaknesses and to start by imagining the peace in your heart from no longer pretending you are not weak. This is all in an effort to have other drawn to you and learn from you. I'm not so sure anyone would find it that inspiring.

I did like his questions to ask yourself as you embark on new chapters. I thought they'd be good questions to ponder on each birthday:

• What activities will you keep?
• What activities will you evolve and do differently?
• What activities will you let go of?
• What new activities will you learn?
• What will you commit to doing in the next week to evolve into the new you? the next month? the next six months?
• In a year, what will be the first fruits to appear as a result of your commitments? 

I finished this book because I have the idea that that's what readers do. I can't say it was that profound or inspiring though, as much as I wanted it to be! 

The author sums up the book with:
Use things
Love people
Worship the divine

Good advice. The author is just three years older than me, but I don't think I'm going to  follow his thinking just yet. I think I am not ready to give up on being a striver just yet though. 

Goodreads says:

The roadmap for finding purpose, meaning, and success as we age, from bestselling author, Harvard professor, and the Atlantic's happiness columnist Arthur Brooks.

Many of us assume that the more successful we are, the less susceptible we become to the sense of professional and social irrelevance that often accompanies aging. But the truth is, the greater our achievements and our attachment to them, the more we notice our decline, and the more painful it is when it occurs.

What can we do, starting now, to make our older years a time of happiness, purpose, and yes, success?

At the height of his career at the age of 50, Arthur Brooks embarked on a seven-year journey to discover how to transform his future from one of disappointment over waning abilities into an opportunity for progress. From Strength to Strength is the result, a practical roadmap for the rest of your life.

Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as dozens of interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks shows us that true life success is well within our reach. By refocusing on certain priorities and habits that anyone can learn, such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress, we can set ourselves up for increased happiness.

Read this book and you, too, can go from strength to strength.

The Fire Of Stars (Kirsten W Larson)

 

This one's a beauty....and an amazing story of a female scientist who discovered what stars are made of, despite not being able to be part of academia or respected as a scientist. It's brilliantly written to, putting her life side by side a star forming...

Goodreads says:

A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne!

Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. But she didn’t start out as the groundbreaking scientist she would eventually become. She started out as a girl full of curiosity, hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe.

With lyrical, evocative text by Kirsten W. Larson and extraordinary illustrations by award-winning illustrator Katherine Roy, this moving biography powerfully parallels the kindling of Cecilia Payne’s own curiosity and her scientific career with the process of a star’s birth, from mere possibility in an expanse of space to an eventual, breathtaking explosion of light.

WOMEN IN STEM CAN CHANGE HISTORY: With women making up less than 30 percent of the science and engineering workforce, supporting young girls who are interested in STEM fields is more important than ever! This picture book tells the story of Cecilia Payne, a trailblazing female astronomer and role model for young girls to relate to and see themselves in, from even the youngest age.

LOOK TO THE STARS: Any reader or stargazer who feels dazzled by the striking night sky will be enchanted by this true story of discovery and invention, as Cecilia's contributions to science prompt us to wonder: What else is out there?

BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING GIFT: With compelling visual storytelling and an inspiring role model for aspiring astronomers, scientists, and engineers (and for young girls in particular), this stellar biography makes a great choice for any giving moment, from birthdays to celebrations to the holidays.
Perfect for:
Parents, teachers, and librarians looking to instill curiosity and encourage scientific exploration
Lovers of astronomy, stargazing, space travel, and outer space
Anyone seeking narrative nonfiction and biography books about women in STEM for the classroom or choice reading
Gift-givers looking for a unique true story to delight and inspire girls and boys
Fans of Hidden Figures, Rad American Women A-Z, and I Am Malala

Dinosaur Valentine (Donnelly)

 

I'm amazed at how kids will get mesmerized by a story....no matter how lame. This one did the trick on Valentine's Day.

Goodreads says:

It's Valentine's Day.
Rex and his trusty dog, Bones, are in the park when they receive an invitation to a party they will never forget. It's a Valentine's Day party - and it's being given by dinosaurs!

Do You Speak Fish? (CJ Corchin)

 

A super cute way to talk about thinking about things from other people's perspectives and communicating with people that are tricky to communicate with.

Goodreads says:

A simple yet heartwarming story that demonstrates how to overcome communication barriers and better understand those who come from different backgrounds and cultures

When a child meets a fish and says hello, the fish does not respond. The child is shocked. What a rude fish! But soon the child learns that it's not up to the fish to speak the child's language. And if the child wants to communicate, he'll have to take the time to learn how to speak Fish.

Just One Flake (Travis Jonker)

 

I really appreciate Travis Jonker. He does a lot of good in the online world of teaching read and inspiring kids to read. 

This book is really cute and quick. This would be a good book to read in conjunction with the first snowfall or a winter craft activity.

Goodreads says:

Just One Flake is a hilarious celebration of wintertime, curiosity, and outdoor play in this author-illustrated picture book debut from acclaimed creator and elementary school librarian Travis Jonker. It’s snowing outside! Liam rushes out into the squall, determined to catch one perfect snowflake. He tries any number of tricks to complete his mission, but each time he is thwarted. He sticks out his tongue and looks up . . . nope. He builds a snowman, climbing up to get a little closer to the snow . . . still nope. He runs around the yard—tongue still out—because faster is better, right? Wrong! Nothing seems to work. Until, in a final leap of faith, he catches that one flake . . . in a way he never expected. And the snowflake itself is pretty unexpected too. From librarian and picture book creator Travis Jonker comes a hilarious and satisfying story all about outdoor play and the natural world’s stunning surprises.

Little Girls Can Be Mean (Michelle Anthony)

 

Now and then (okay every year), it seems like mean girl issues come up at school. I always find it helpful to read up on the issue and get some good ideas to use in our classroom. This book was pretty basic and just what I needed. It doesn't have to be complicated to help girls with friendship issues - but a little thought out guidance always makes a big difference for me. The author's four steps are simple and right on point.

Goodreads says:
Worried about mean girls? Help your daughter respond and react to bullying where it starts---in elementary school

As experts in developmental psychology and each a mother of three, Dr. Michelle Anthony and Dr. Reyna Lindert began noticing an alarming pattern of social struggle among girls as young as five, including their own daughters. In today's world, it is likely that your daughter has been faced with bullying and friendship issues, too---and perhaps you're at a loss for how to guide her through these situations effectively. Little Girls Can Be Mean is the first book to tackle the unique social struggles of elementary-aged girls, giving you the tools you need to help your daughter become stronger, happier, and better able to enjoy her friendships at school and beyond.

Dr. Anthony and Dr. Lindert offer an easy-to-follow, 4-step plan to help you become a problem-solving partner with your child, including tips and insights that girls can use on their own to confront social difficulties in an empowered way. Whether your daughter is just starting grade school or is already on her way to junior high, you'll learn how to:

OBSERVE the social situation with new eyes
CONNECT with your child in a new way
GUIDE your child with simple, compassionate strategies
SUPPORT your daughter to act more independently to face the social issue

By focusing squarely on the issues and needs of girls in the years before adolescence, Little Girls Can Be Mean is the essential, go-to guide for any parent or educator of girls in grades K-6.